SugaROx, 13 August 2024

In a new collaboration with Fera, we are embarking on a groundbreaking project to enhance tomato resilience to climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of food production in the UK.

Sustainability in Tomato Production

Optimal tomato growth, fruit set, and yield occur at day/night temperatures of 21°C-29.5°C and 18.5°C-21°C, respectively. However, climate change is making high temperatures more frequent, longer lasting, and intense. The summer of 2022 saw the UK’s first-ever 40°C day. These peaks of temperature pose significant challenges for tomato producers.

Innovative Research and Development

At the heart of our new project are two core capabilities: our game-changing T6P technology for crop stimulation, and Fera’s state-of-the-art digital phenotyping facility. Using the Phenospex PlantEye Technology, Fera will produce 3-D scans of plants under stress, comparing the response of plants treated with our biostimulant to untreated plants.

Commitment to Producers

To ensure our solution meets the needs of UK producers, the British Tomato Growers’ Association (BTGA) will act as Knowledge Exchange Champion in our project. Additionally, ADAS will model the economic and carbon benefits of our biostimulant across three end-user scenarios, with sites selected in collaboration with BTGA.

For more information, contact our Business Development Director, Bianca Forte, via LinkedIn.

About Our Partners

Fera Science Limited: Fera is a leading provider of scientific services, committed to innovation and delivering sustainable solutions to environmental and food safety challenges. Learn more.

BTGA: The British Tomato Growers’ Association supports British tomato growers and encourages consumers to buy British produce. Learn more.

ADAS: ADAS is an independent research and consultancy provider focused on food security and the environment, with over 400 experts across more than 60 specialisms. Learn more.